Royal Father, Gov’s Aide Want Youths In The Farms
Godwin AJOM, Calabar
The paramount ruler of Yakurr Local Government, HRM Ofem Eteng and the senior special adviser to the Cross River State governor on events management, Mr Kenneth Aklah, has urged youths from the area to embrace farming as a reliable avenue for wealth creation.
The monarch and the governor’s aide who spoke in the light of the Leboku New Yam International Festival also advised youths from the state to channel their energy into commercial farming because it was one sure way to end restiveness.
According to the paramount ruler, “we are proud to say that Leboku which showcases our cultural heritage would be hosted properly this year as the people of Yakurr are ready to host the visitors who will be very secured as they come to relax,” he said.
He also used the opportunity to thank Gov. Ben Ayade for his support over the years in ensuring that the festival was always held.
On his part, Aklah said the fundamental objective of the festival which was to foster peace among the component communities of Yakurr had been achieved.
Aklah noted that it was on record that throughout the tenure of the present administration in the state, there has been relative peace among the autonomous communities in the Yakurr nation.
Speaking further, he said the second objective which was to enhance agro tourism has also been achieved as Yakurr has maintained an enviable position as one of the food baskets of the state through its production of yam, melon, plantain and tree crops.
“This administration is therefore poised to partner with willing cooperative societies within and outside Yakurr in the areas of expanding farms or establishing agro-allied cottage industries for agriculture value chain
“I challenge the youths of Yakurr to channel their knowledge and energy to useful ventures like commercial farming so as to generate income and curb youth restiveness as farming can no longer be left in the hands of the elderly,” he said
On its part, MTN Nigeria, a major partner of the festival said it would make the event of 2022 memorable.
Speaking during the briefing, Bassey Etuk, Adviser, State and LG Affairs, MTN Nigeria said they have a plan to open a mobile account for all participants in the festival to enable them send cash to their loved ones in remote areas through their Momo Agents.
Etuk added that during the festival, they would be giving out Point of Sale Machines (POS) to many people who wish to start up the business free of charge to empower the people.
